Top Things to See and Do in Turkey in 2023

Turkey is an ancient country that spans Europe and Asia with cultural links that reach back thousands of years to the great empires of the past such as the Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, and Greek to name a few. But what are some of the treasures of Turkey today?

In collaboration with dealchecker.co.uk, we’ve looked at the huge variety of things to see and do in this magical destination in 2023. Whether you’re a culture seeker, beach lover, or a shopper looking for exciting new things to buy, visiting Turkey this year will truly make the holiday one that you’ll never forget.

Let’s start with the capital, Istanbul is the place you’ll want to spend the majority of your time as there’s simply so much to experience.

The Hagia Sophia is a truly remarkable architectural achievement, thanks to its spectacular dome, which dates back to the Byzantine Empire. Built in 537AD originally as a church, then a mosque, and now finally a museum. It houses some of the most beautiful mosaics the country has to offer and truly stands the test of time, making it one of the must-sees when visiting Turkey in 2023.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, with over 4000 shops there will be something for everyone guaranteed, from gold, silver, rugs, silk, pottery, and spices to name just a few of what’s on offer.

Be warned though that the shopkeepers here will try their hardest to sell you whatever is in their shops, some may be quite overbearing so this is not a destination for the timid. However, if you can conquer that fear then the Grand Bazaar is actually one of the most amazing places to visit in 2023. Just be aware that it is one of the world’s largest markets so you just might not remember the way you came in, in order to get back out again.

If after experiencing the wonderful chaos that is the Grand Bazaar you feel like you need a bit more of a slower-paced activity then how about checking out some of the most beautiful beaches Turkey has to offer.

There’s a huge variety of beaches to choose from all over this amazing country and here I’ll tell you about a couple of the very best choices.

Belcekiz Beach is located in Oludeniz which itself is home to a huge variety of bars, restaurants, and hotels to cope with the huge masses of people that come here to enjoy the amazing beach.

The beach itself is a beautiful place to relax and soak up the sun whilst enjoying the stillness of the sea which is actually what this beach is known for, with the nickname of the Dead or Calm sea. It even provides a photo-worthy backdrop with the paragliders taking off from the mountains just behind the beach.

Now a busy beach like Belcekiz may not be to everyone’s taste so if you’re after a much more secluded beach then you should head to the Olimpos and Cirah regions. Here you’ll find orchards, fields, and spectacular tree house hotels where you can stay to be right near these amazing little beaches.

Calm, secluded, and away from the many tourists that visit every year these picturesque little beaches are perfect for a romantic break or just a bit of peace and quiet.

I could go on and on about all the amazing things that Turkey has to offer in 2023 and believe me when I say I’ve barely scratched the surface of things to do here. So why not head out there and experience everything that this amazing country and create an unforgettable holiday in 2023.